Lanny Smith

Coming from a country and generation that has allowed the greatest part of it's citizen's from my father's generation (he is 94 years old in 2 weeks) to avoid participating involuntarily in war and its' horrific experiences....... This film is so gripping and graphic in its' portrayal that a week after viewing it, I am still significantly affected by it. Canada has not had conscription (the draft) since WWII. At wars end, my dad was 16 years old. Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War etc. affected generations South of the border. My gratitude for peace and the absence of imposed violence in my 67 years is profound. This movie has taken that to a whole new level. Many of the scenes are mammoth in portraying the engines of war. The more "intimate" scenes are every bit as impressive in scope, lighting, special effects and impact. The actor (French soldier) who doesn't immediately die from the knife wounds in the crater gives a truly Oscar Worthy performance in just 5 minutes on the screen. BTW my wife wouldn't watch it. I get that but felt like it was my duty to my Grandpas who did fight in WWI and were able to both return. Saving Private Ryan was unique in graphically portraying D Day and WWII but the "Hollywood writing" and plot were indulgent. All Quiet on the Western Front 2022 tells the story without the Hollywood ego or contamination. 7 out of 5 stars.